Method and system for securing heavy loads

ABSTRACT

The current invention concerns a device for securing a load in a container. In an embodiment of the current invention, such a device comprises a leaf having a front and a rear main surface, and an aperture extending between said main surfaces for receiving a strap, whereby said rear main surface comprises a protrusion. In a further aspect, the invention is directed towards a method for securing a load, which method employs such a device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of Ser. No. 16/633,083, filed Jan. 22, 2020,which is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/EP2017/000894, filed Jul. 24,2017, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. TheInternational Application was published on Jan. 31, 2019, asInternational Publication No. WO 2019/020154 A1.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to the technical field of methods and systems forsecuring heavy loads in a container.

BACKGROUND

Cargo stowed in ocean shipping containers must be secured to preventshifting in any direction, particularly towards the doors. Voids betweenindividual cargo units and/or container walls must be filled and/orcargo can be secured against falling, tipping and sliding by usingmultiple lashing and anchor points provided on the top and bottom siderails and on the corner posts. These lashing points generally compriserings (e.g. D-rings) which allow the passage of straps or ropes used forsecuring the load.

EP 2 978 634 A1 describes a wall securement device that is attachable tothe inner rigid structure of a container corner post. The device therebydefines a lashing point, allowing the passage of straps.

The present invention aims to provide an improved wall securementdevice. By preference, said wall securement device should be time andmoney saving, easy to use and have the potential to be generallyaccepted by International Regulatory Authorities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention discloses a wall securementdevice for securing a load in a container. The wall securement devicecomprises at least two leaves having a front and rear main surface,whereby at least one of said leaves comprises at least one apertureextending between its front and rear main surface; the device comprisestwo such apertures for receiving a strap. In particular, the rear mainsurface of said leaf comprises a protrusion.

In a second aspect, the present invention discloses a method forsecuring a load in a container, by use of a wall securement deviceaccording to the first aspect of the invention.

As a consequence of the presence of said protrusion, is that the ease ofapplication of the device is greatly enhanced. Additionally, theprotrusion ensures a proper lock-in of the device. Furthermore, thestability of the lashing arrangement is significantly increased.Preferably, the protrusion is such that, when the device is arranged toa corner post of a container, at least a part of the protrusion isarranged against the corner profile of said corner post. It is furtherpreferred that the protrusion is a rigid and solid, rearwardlyprotruding portion of the wall securement device. A main function isthereby to assist in transferring, towards said corner posts, asignificant portion of the pulling forces exerted by straps to the wallsecurement device.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 gives a schematic overview of a corner post profile of acontainer; a shaded area indicates the preferred position of a deviceaccording to the current invention.

FIGS. 2A to 2F show potential embodiments of a wall securement deviceaccording to the prior art.

FIGS. 2G to 2J show potential embodiments of wall securement devicesaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2K shows a corner post/profile with a wall securement deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention installed.

FIG. 3A gives a top view on a corner post with a wall securement deviceaccording to an embodiment of the prior art installed.

FIG. 3B gives a perspective view on a corner post with a wall securementdevice according to an embodiment of the prior art installed.

FIG. 3C shows a device according to a possible embodiment of the currentinvention, placed in a corner post of a container and provided withstraps which secure a load.

FIGS. 3D-3E depict two top views on corner posts/profiles of acontainer, with wall securement devices according to embodiments of thepresent invention installed.

FIG. 3F shows various stages of installing a wall securement deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention, in a cornerpost/profile of a container.

FIG. 4A shows an attachment aid according to a possible embodiment ofthe current invention.

FIG. 4B gives a top view on a securement device according to anembodiment of the present invention, installed into a corner profile ofa container.

FIG. 4C gives a perspective view on a securement device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 gives a view of an intersection of a wall securement devicehaving a peripheral roughening, according to two embodiments (left andright hand side) of the present invention.

FIG. 6 respectively shows a cross-section (left hand side), and detailof the surface (right hand side) of the intersection of a wallsecurement device having a peripheral roughening, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a method for securing cargo load in acontainer as well as a wall securement device capable to be used in thismethod. The latter enables an easy and time-saving way to securing goodsto a container, thereby ensuring that said goods are adequately secured.Moreover, it is the purpose of the current invention to provide aneasy-to-use and performant alternative for the well-known lashing andanchor points of the prior art, such as D-rings. It is the aim of thecurrent invention to provide a system which is thus reliable that itwill pass all regulatory requirements and hence may be used for avariety of loads which are currently excluded by the prior art lashingpoints. Moreover, it is also the object of the current invention toprovide a method and system which is cost-saving for the client.

EP 2 978 634 A1, the entire content of which is included herein byreference, describes a wall securement device that is attachable to theinner rigid structure of a container corner post. The device therebydefines a lashing point, allowing the passage of straps.

In particular, as a consequence of the rear main surface of the devicecomprising a protrusion according to the present invention, the wallsecurement device can be arranged in an even more convenient fashion toa corner profile of a container, as compared to wall securement devicesaccording to the state of the art. The protrusion makes sure that theelement is conveniently positioned in a most optimal way.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention,including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included tobetter appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

“A”, “an”, and “the” as used herein refers to both singular and pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way ofexample, “a compartment” refers to one or more than one compartment.

“About” as used herein referring to a measurable value such as aparameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant toencompass variations of +/−20% or less, preferably +/−10% or less, morepreferably +/−5% or less, even more preferably +/−1% or less, and stillmore preferably +/−0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in sofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosedinvention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which themodifier “about” refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

“Comprise,” “comprising,” and “comprises” and “comprised of” as usedherein are synonymous with “include”, “including”, “includes” or“contain”, “containing”, “contains” and are inclusive or open-endedterms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and donot exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recitedcomponents, features, element, members, steps, known in the art ordisclosed therein.

The term “wall” may include a wall and a corner post.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers andfractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

The expression “% by weight” (weight percent), here and throughout thedescription unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight ofthe respective component based on the overall weight of the formulation.

The terms “wall securement device” and “securement device” as usedherein, can be interchanged,

In a first aspect, the present invention concerns a wall securementdevice attachable to an inner rigid structure of a container thatcomprises a sidewall and a corner post to secure a load in thecontainer, the wall securement device comprising at least two leaves,said leaves having a front main surface and a rear main surface, andfurther having a contact surface extending between the front and rearmain surfaces, the contact surface being formed at a tip portion of thewall securement device to contact a profile of the corner post, whereinat least one of said leaves comprises at least one aperture that extendsbetween the front and rear main surfaces, said device comprises at leasttwo such apertures to receive a strap. In particular, the rear mainsurface of the leaf comprises a protrusion. The wall securement deviceis thereby configured for being arranged to a corner post of thecontainer. Within the context of the present invention, the “rear mainsurface” of a leaf should be interpreted as the main surface therebysubstantially pointing away from the main container loading area (i.e.the bulk of the container), when being positioned at a corner post. Onthe other hand, the “front main surface” should be interpreted as themain surface thereby substantially pointing towards the main containerloading area. In case the device can be arranged to the corner post inmultiple ways, such that its front and rear main surfaces are in factinterchangeable, at least one of the main surfaces of at least one leafof the device comprises a protrusion, the “rear main surface” of saidleaf being one of those main surfaces.

In a similar fashion, it is possible to define a “rear side” and a“front side” with respect of a wall securement device according to thepresent invention. Respectively, the rear and front main surfacesthereby substantially point towards the rear and front sides of thedevice.

The device is specifically suited for lashing loads in heavy freight incontainers which are located on transport means. By preference suchtransport means may be a waterborne vessel such as a container ship,ground vehicle such as truck or railcar, or an airborne vessel such asan airplane.

These wall securement devices are to be attached to the inner structure,being the inner wall of the container, preferably a corner postcomprised by the inner wall of the container, and will serve asanchoring or passage points for securing means used for lashing thecargo load. In a preferred embodiment, said wall securement device isattached to the corner posts of the container. By preference, saiddevice is attached to the corner profile of such corner posts. Suchcontainers comprise a steel framework, consisting of four corner posts.These corner posts serve as the load-carrying elements of containers.The steel framework furthermore comprises two bottom side rails, two topside rails, two bottom cross members, a front top end rail and a doorheader. The side and end walls and the roof are the components of astandard box container which are capable of bearing the least load. Thecorner posts provide enough strength for allowing the attachment of thewall securement device according to the current invention, therebyequally providing sufficient sturdy points to allow the anchorage ofsecuring means and bearing the load. Attachment may be physical ormechanical. Attachment may include the physical clamping of the deviceto the corner profile of the corner post. This ensures also that thedevice does not hinder or interfere with the cargo within the container.In an embodiment of the current invention, the wall securement devicemay be removably attached to the container. With the term “removablyattached” is meant the device is connected to the wall by means whichallow easy attachment or detachment, without the use of tools such asscrewdrivers, nails, screws and the like. Such removable attachment maycomprise one or more attachment aids such as adhesive strips, foamelements, spring-type elements, glue or glue-like material or make useof magnetic force. In a preferred embodiment, said attachment aidcomprises a clamp, a spring or a foam element, which is positionedbetween the wall of the corner post and the device. Most preferably,said attachment aid is a foam element, connected to the rear of saiddevice. Said foam element comprises preferably compressible foam.

Alternatively, said wall securement device may be permanently fixed tothe container by conventional means such as welding.

The wall securement device may be adjustable in position, meaning thatthe position of the device may be adjusted in view of the top and bottomof the container, e.g. lowered or increased. For the latter purpose, arail system may be provided at the corner posts, with fastening meansfor the device onto the rail which allows altering the position of thedevice with respect to top of bottom of the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the securement devices are located in onevertical plane in view of the roof or floor wall of the container,meaning that they are all provided at one side of the container. Bypreference, they are provided at the corner posts at the end wall of thecontainer opposite to the door(s). For instance, a strap is used forsecuring the load, said strap being looped through at least one apertureof at least one load securement device at a corner post at the frontside of the container, its strap ends going around the load towards theback of the container, along either side of the load, whereby thesestrap ends are closed using a buckle at said back of the container.Quite conveniently, the buckle can be reached via the front sideopening. Preferably, each securement device comprises at least twoapertures, through which apertures the strap is looped. In the mostpreferred configuration, each corner post of this end wall will beprovided by at least one wall securement device. By preference, 2devices are provided at each corner post, whereby one of the devices ispreferably located towards the top of the container and one locatedtowards the floor of the container.

During lashing of the load, securing means are passed through anaperture of the wall securement device. The wall securement device cancomprise one or more apertures. In an embodiment of the invention, thewall securement device comprises one or more leaves, at least one ofthose leafs, and preferably each leaf defining an aperture, whichaperture extends between its front and rear main surfaces. In a furtherembodiment, the device comprises two leaves, each of both leavescomprising such an aperture. Securing means such as straps can be passedthrough a first aperture of the wall securement device and subsequentlythrough a second aperture of said same wall securement device, in adirection opposite to the first path of said securing means. Suchsecuring means are by preference straps, such as steel straps,polypropylene straps or polyester straps with or without a polymercoating. By preference, the system and method is used in conjunctionwith polyester straps, comprising polyester yarns, either woven orcomposite yarns. Straps produced of composite yarns will by preferencebe coated in a polymer coating such as polypropylene or polyethylene.The loose ends of the securing means are joined by means of a buckle. Bypreference, such a buckle is manufactured from high quality steel and isprovided by measures that avoid or entirely prevent slipping. Throughoutthis document, the term “strap” will be employed when referring tosecuring means of any kind. Obviously, the skilled person is more thanqualified to select a suitable alternative securing means, for use inconjunction with the wall securement device.

In a preferred embodiment, said wall securement device can bear a loadof at least 6 ton (absolute value) when provided with securing means.The applied force on the securing means will run opposite to thedirection of the first path of the securing means and parallel to thesecond path.

The wall securement device is specifically designed to be attached to acorner post and to fit in the corner profile of said post. The wallsecurement device may be manufactured from metals such as high qualitysteel, stainless steel, aluminum or plastic. In a preferred embodiment,the wall securement device has two or more apertures allowing thepassage of securing means such as straps.

In a preferred embodiment of the device, the rear main surface of atleast one leaf comprises a protrusion. Preferably, said rear mainsurface is substantially flat or only slightly curved. A “protrusion”,within the context of the present invention, should be seen as a part ofthe rear main surface protruding towards the rear side of the device, oralternatively as a rearwardly protruding element that is provided atsaid rear main surface. The “protrusion” thereby preferably disrupts thesubstantially flat or only slightly curved nature of the rear mainsurface.

Preferably, the protrusion is such that, when the device is arranged toa corner post of a container, at least a part of the protrusion isarranged against the corner profile of said corner post. Alternatively,this is only the case where a sufficiently large pulling force isadditionally applied to said device, via one or more lashing straps, dueto some (elastic) deformation of the device as a result thereof. In anycase, the protrusion significantly increases the stability of thelashing arrangement.

Preferably, the protrusion is a rigid and solid, rearwardly protrudingportion of the wall securement device. Its principle function therebydiffers from, for instance, the one of a foam or spring-type attachmentaid as described below; being the prevention of a well-arranged wallsecurement device from sliding down. Preferably, the protrusion rather(or additionally) assists in transferring, towards said corner posts, asignificant portion of the pulling forces exerted to the wall securementdevice via straps. Preferably, the protrusion is integrally formed withthe remainder of the leaf, and more preferably the protrusion isintegrally formed with the remainder of the device.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, theprotrusion comprises a slope portion. Within the context of the presentinvention, a “slope portion” should be seen as a portion flanking theprotrusion and angling up to said protrusion. A protrusion having atleast one slope portion, has the advantage of not hindering the ease ofapplication of the device at a corner post of the container, as will beappreciated when consulting the embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, the slope portion allows the device to be inserted into thecorner profile at an angle. Subsequently it is tilted and thereby lockedinto position. On the other hand, protrusion can still transfer a majorshare of the pulling/lashing forces towards the corner profile.Preferably, the slope portion extends along a side of the protrusion,when considering the protrusion extending somewhere between the “origin”of the leaf (near the “intersection”, as will be described furtherbelow), and the “tip portion” of the leaf.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, theprotrusion comprises a tip portion. Within the context of the presentinvention, a “tip portion” should be seen as a portion covering at leasta part of the tip end of the leaf. The protrusion thereby extendstowards said tip end of the device. Preferably, the protrusion therebyprovides, near the tip end of the device, a portion for contacting thecorner profile. This further increases the stability of the arrangement.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, theprotrusion extends to at least a part of the above-mentioned contactsurface, at the tip end of the device. As a consequence, said part ofthe contact surface will feature a profiled (i.e. non-straight)cross-section, when inspecting the device tip end from its end face.Structures featuring profiled cross-sections are known to better resistagainst bending and torsion, for the same amount of material. Quiteadvantageously, a protrusion extending to a part of the contact surfaceat the tip end of the device, increases the strength and rigidity ofsaid contact surface.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, theprotrusion is a bump. In other words, the rear main surface of thedevice thereby curvingly deforms into said protrusion. Within thecontext of the present invention, a “bump” should be understood as asection of/at the rear main surface, which section evolves into arearwardly protruding surface section. The bump is still disruptive, ascompared to the main, flat or slightly curved course of the rear mainsurface. However, there are preferably no discontinuities, such as sharpedges, separating the bump from the remainder main surface. Advantagesare that such devices are easier to clean and safer, because they do notcomprise sharp edges. Moreover, they can be arranged in a moreconvenient fashion, since the bump can be slidingly guided, along thesurface of the corner profile. According to a further embodiment, theprotrusion is a bump, featuring slope portions at one or both sides.

A further advantage of a bump is that the device can be used morebroadly, given variations in corner post dimensions.

According to a further, preferred embodiment of the device, theprotrusion is integrally formed with the material of the rear mainsurface. For instance, the device may be produced as a metal device forinstance produced by molding or casting, which device comprises theprotrusion and at least one leaf. Alternatively, the protrusion isformed by denting the leaf towards the rear side. Other suitablefabrication techniques for realizing a leaf having a protrusion arepossible. In a possible embodiment, the entire device is produced as oneintegral part.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, saiddevice does not extend beyond an inner zone of the corner post, whenarranged to said corner post. This is advantageous for lashing the loadwithin the container.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, saiddevice comprises a first leaf comprising a first aperture and a secondleaf comprising a second aperture.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, saidleaf and said another leaf form an inner angle of between about 45° andabout 180°. In this regard, two leaves forming an inner angle of about180° may alternatively be interpreted as a single leaf. Similarly, acurved device in which no distinction can be made between a first andsecond leaf, may also be seen as a device comprising a single, curvedleaf. Preferably, such a single leaf comprises two apertures, forreceiving a strap.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, saidleaf and said another leaf form an inner angle of between about 90° andabout 120°.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, saiddevice further comprises an intersection that supports a portion of thestrap when passed through the aperture. The apertures are separated byan intersection, used as support for the straps when passed throughthese apertures. Said apertures are part of separate leaves of thedevice. Said intersection may comprise a flat, a rounded or ruggedelement. In a preferred embodiment, said intersection comprises acylindrical element such as a bar or rod. In an embodiment, thisintersection is positioned in a direction substantially reverse to thedirection of strain of said securing means. Typically, said direction ofstrain has an angle varying between 15° upwards and 15 downwards, ascompared to the horizontal plane. As such, the device provides both foran anchorage point for the strap as well as for a load bearing point.The position of the intersection in view of the strain direction ischosen such that the straps are given an adequate support by theintersection during lashing.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, theintersection extends in a direction traversing a direction of strain ofthe strap.

The device and preferably the region of the intersection may be providedby a peripheral roughening. Such peripheral roughening or abrasivesurface may comprise for instance a specific pattern (e.g. grid),embossed in the material of the intersection or by coating theintersection or entire device by a grit material coating. Suchperipheral roughening will prevent slipping of the strap. The device mayfurthermore also be provided by means for attachment to a load surface.Attachment to the container may be removable or permanent. In apreferred embodiment, said peripheral roughening is located on theintersection of the leaf and said another leaf.

As pointed out, the wall securement device is provided by apertures forpassage of the straps. By preference, each wall securement device hastwo apertures. In one embodiment, the apertures comprise between 10 and80%, of the total surface of said wall securement device. By preference,said apertures comprise between 25 and 60% of the total surface of thedevice. The latter ensures easy passage and even multiple passages ofthe straps through the apertures, meanwhile ensuring that the devicestill withstands the forces applied onto the device when cargo issecured by aid of the devices.

In a further embodiment, each aperture is located in a plane of saidwall securement device, said planes are virtual planes, preferablytangent planes, formed by the separate leaves of the device, wherebysaid planes form an inner angle α of between 45° and 180°, preferablybetween 90 and 180°, more preferably between 100° and 180°, morepreferably between 100° and 150°, more preferably between 100° and 120°,even more preferably between 100° and 110°. Hence, the latter allows fora specific configuration of the device allowing attachment of the deviceto the wall of the corner posts of the container.

Preferably, the “inner angle” is the smallest angle that is spannedbetween imaginary tangent planes to the respective front main surfacesof the leaves, the tangents taken at near the tip portions of saidleaves. Similarly, the “outer angle” is preferably the largest anglethat is spanned between imaginary tangent planes to the respective rearmain surfaces of the leaves. An advantage is that the device, whenarranged to a corner post, provides a lashing point within the enclosureof the typical container corner profile, without bulging out towards themain, substantially beam-shaped storage space of the container. In otherwords, the device does not extend beyond an inner zone of the cornerpost. As such, the wall securement devices pose no restrictions toefficiently stacking a load of (beam-shaped) goods within said storagespace, especially near the corner posts.

By preference, said device comprises two leaves, which are connected toeach other at the level of the intersection. Said leaves preferably forman angle of between 45° and 180°, preferably between 90 and 180°, morepreferably between 100° and 180°, more preferably between 100° and 150°,more preferably between 100° and 120°, even more preferably between 100°and 110°. In a most preferred embodiment, said angle comprises between100° and 105°, such as 100°, 101°, 102°, 103°, 104° or 105°. It wasfound by the inventors that an angle in this range allows adequatepositioning of the device to the corner post, as well as ensures passingof the securing means through the apertures.

In an embodiment, said leaf of the device comprises a substantiallyrectangular form. In another embodiment, said leaf comprises a polygonform. In a preferred embodiment, said leaf comprises at least two sides,which intersect and form an obtuse angle at the intersection. As aconsequence, said leaves comprise a beveled edge. Said obtuse anglecomprises between 91° and 178°, preferably between 95° and 150°, morepreferably between 100° and 130°, most preferably between 105° and 120°,such as 118°. By preference, one of said leaves forming the angle willrun parallel to the intersection of said device. The latter has beenfound advantageous for the positioning of the device to the cornerprofile.

A second leaf, equally forming an intersection with said leaf runningparallel to said intersection, will be positioned substantiallyperpendicular to said parallel side.

In an embodiment, said device will be provided with two leaves, wherebysaid obtuse angles are placed crosswise or opposite of a virtualsymmetric axis formed by the intersection.

When arranging the device to the corner profile, the device may in afirst instance be inserted in the corner profile, after which it can becorrectly positioned by means of a quarter of a turn or more. It isadvantageous that the protrusion comprises a slope portion, and/or thatone or more of said leaves have a beveled edge, for being able toperform such a turn of the device.

Thickness of the leaves is preferably between 5 and 15 mm, preferablybetween 8 and 12 mm, more preferably 10 mm. The length of the leaf willpreferably be between 100 and 130 mm, more preferably between 105 and125 mm. Said length of the leaves of the device may vary. This can benecessary in view of variations in the dimensions of a container cornerprofile.

Preferably, the intersection will be thicker than said leaves. In apreferred embodiment, said ratio between the thickness of theintersection and the thickness of the leaves will be between 3:1 and2:1. Said Thickness of the intersection lies preferably between 20 and30 mm.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, saiddevice further comprises attachment aids, for assisting the attachmentof said device to the corner post. Preferably, said attachment aids arepresent on the rear side of one or both leaves. Such attachment aidsprovide additional assistance for attachment of the device to the cornerprofile and may comprise a spring or clamping element, a foam element,magnets or magnetic strips, glue elements. In another embodiment, saidattachment aid is a foam element. Said foam element will cover at leastpartially the rear of said leaf. By preference, said foam element willcover at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, more preferably 20% ofsaid rear. In another embodiment, said element covers between 1 to 100%of said rear, between 5 to 90%, more preferably between 10 to 90%. Saidelement may have any conventional shape, such as round, rectangular,square, polygonal . . . .

In a preferred embodiment, said foam element comprises closed cell foam,preferably said closed cell foam has ellipsoid or round cells, mostpreferably round cells. In a further preferred embodiment, said foamelement is a cross-linked polyolefin, such as LDPE or PP. Preferreddensity of the foam will be between 50 and 100 kg/m³. Said thickness ofthe foam lies preferably between 10 and 30 mm, more preferably between15 and 25 mm.

Use of foam as attachment aid was found to be particularly usefulbecause of the compressible nature of said foam. This is important, asthe space between the device when positioned and the container wall willvary from point to point. Especially the use of foam with round orsubstantially round cells was found to be extremely advantageous, asthese provide sufficient back pressure, even after considerable time ofuse. Due to its specific nature, said foam element will also resistdimensional changes due to e.g. temperature differences. Said foamelement may be attached to the device by conventional methods, such asgluing, or may simply be placed behind said device when being positionedin the corner post.

In a preferred embodiment, said wall securement device can bear a loadof at least 6 ton (absolute value) when provided with securing means.

According to a further or alternative embodiment of the device, saiddevice may comprise at least two leaves having front and rear mainsurfaces as described above, whereby at least two of said leaves definea protrusion at their rear main surface, similar to what is describedabove.

In a second aspect, the present invention concerns a method for securinga load in a container using a wall securement device as described above.Said container thereby comprises three side walls, a roof, a floor, andfour corner posts, which corner posts define corner profiles, and saidmethod comprises the steps of attaching/arranging said wall securementdevice to a corner post of the container, passing a strap through anaperture of said device, and lashing said load using said strap.Preferably, a protrusion of said device is thereby arranged to contactthe corner profile of said corner post. Preferably, said strap is passedthrough at least two apertures of said device.

The securing means may run substantially perpendicular to said posts;the securement device may be fixedly attached to the corner posts; thesecurement device may be removably attached to the corner post; thesecurement device may be adjustable in position, more specificallyadjustable in height; one securement device may be provided; twosecurement devices may be provided per corner post; three or moresecurement devices may be provided per corner post; during lashing ofthe load, the securing means may be passed through a first aperture ofthe wall securement device and subsequently through a second aperture ofthe same wall securement device in a direction that may be opposite tothe first path of the securing means; the securement device may belocated at the corner posts of front wall of the container, opposite tothe doors of the container; and/or the container may be located ontransport means.

The apertures may comprise between about 10 and 80%, preferably betweenabout 25 and 60% of the total surface of the securement device; thesecurement device may have two apertures; each aperture may be locatedin a plane of the securement device, whereby the planes may form aninner angle of between about 45° and about 180°, and preferably betweenabout 90° and about 180°, and more preferably between about 100° andabout 110°; the securement device may be provided with a peripheralroughening; the peripheral roughening may be located at theintersection; the securement device may be provided by means forattaching the device to a load surface such as a container; and/or thesecurement device may be implanted for securing a cargo load in acontainer.

A container can be provided with one or more wall securement devices,constructed according to the principles of the invention.

A kit can be provided that comprises a securement device according tothe invention, and a securing means such as straps and a buckle forjoining the securing means. As understood by those skilled in the art,the securing means may include any type of mechanism that may beattached to the securing device according to the principles of theinvention. The securing means may include straps comprising polyesteryarns; the strap(s) may comprise woven polyester yarns; the strap(s) maycomprise composite polyester yarns that may be embedded in a polymercoating, wherein the polymer coating may include polypropylene; thebuckle may comprise a body having two side walls and bars extendingbetween these side walls; the bars of the buckle may be provided with aperipheral roughening; at least one of the bars may be provided with aperipheral roughening comprising a serration that may be orientedopposite the strap's direction of strain; and/or the kit may comprise atensioner for applying a tension on the securing means.

According to a still further aspect, a wall securement device isprovided that is attachable to an inner rigid structure of a containerthat comprises a sidewall and a corner post to secure a load in thecontainer. The wall securement device comprises a leaf having front andrear main surfaces; and a contact surface extending between the frontand rear main surfaces, the contact surface being formed at a tip end ofthe wall securement device to contact a profile of the corner post; andan aperture that extends between the front and rear main surfaces toreceive a strap, wherein the rear main surface of the leaf comprises aslope-hook portion. The slope-hook portion may comprise a slope portion.The slope-hook portion may comprise a hook portion. The hook portion maycomprise a bump. The term “slope-hook portion” as used herein may beseen as equivalent to “protrusion”.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, a wall securementdevice is provided that comprises: front and rear main surfaces; anaperture that extends between the front and rear main surfaces; and acontact surface extending between the front and rear main surfaces andlocated at a tip end of the wall securement device, wherein the rearmain surface comprises a slope-hook portion. The slope-hook portion maycomprise a slope portion and a hook portion. The hook portion maycomprise a bump.

The aspects of the current invention will further be elucidated by meansof examples and figures, without being limited to these examples orfigures.

FIG. 1 shows a detailed view of a corner post (4)/corner profile (13)suitable for receiving a device (1) according to the current invention.The shaded surface (e.g., inner zone of a corner post) represents theoptimal position of the device (1) at the corner post. The device (1)may be positioned in the inner zone and not go beyond the inner zone ofthe corner post, so that it does not interfere with cargo. If notpositioned correctly (e.g. outside this position) than the devices riskhindering the load in the container.

FIGS. 2A-2F show potential embodiments of wall securement devicesaccording to the prior art. These devices (1) are all characterized inthat they comprise leaves (14, 14′) provided with apertures (2),preferably two apertures (2, 2′), which are separated by an intersection(3). The apertures (2, 2′) allow passage of the straps (10), whereby theintersection will provide support to the straps. All embodiments showdevices with 2 apertures, but it should be understood that multipleapertures, preferable even in number, equally fall under the scope ofthe current invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the securement device (1) may beessentially flat, whereby each of the two apertures (2, 2′) lie in avirtual plane which forms an angle of 180°. The device may berectangular or square, and may be provided with rounded corners such asa hysteresis form.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the securement device (1)may have a curvature.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the leaves form an innerangle which is preferably an obtuse angle. Each of the leaves isprovided with an aperture (2, 2′).

As shown in FIG. 2E, the leaves (14, 14′) are separated by anintersection (3), said intersection (3) has a rod-like appearance.

Each of said leaves (14, 14′) is provided with a beveled edge (16),whereby the two intersecting sides A and B (or A′ and B′) form an angleβ (or β′) Said angle β is preferably an obtuse angle. Said angles ofeach leaves are on opposite sides seen from the intersection (3).

As shown in FIG. 2F, a peripheral roughening (12) may be located at theintersection (3). The peripheral roughening (12) is the same as theperipheral roughening described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 .

FIG. 2G shows an embodiment of the wall securement device (1) accordingto the present invention. In this embodiment, the device (1) comprisestwo leaves (14, 14′) having a contact surface formed at their tip ends(being the tip ends of the wall securement device). These contactsurfaces optionally cover parts of the front and/or rear main surfacesof the leaf (14, 14′). The leaf includes a protrusion (24) at its rearmain surface. The other leaf may comprise intersecting sides A′ and B′,thereby featuring a beveled edge (16). Although shown as havingsubstantially straight edges, intersecting sides A′ and/or B′ may havecurved edges, semi-circular edges, or edges having any other shape thatmay facilitate installation of the device (1) into corner posts/cornerprofiles as, for example, as described below with reference to FIG. 3G.The wall securement device (1) may include a peripheral roughening (12)(shown in FIG. 2F). The peripheral roughening (12) may be located at theintersection (3).

As seen in FIG. 2G, the contact surface having the protrusion (24) mayinclude a slope portion (25) to facilitate installation of the wallsecurement device (1) into a corner post/corner profile having, forexample, restrictive dimensions. The contact surface having theprotrusion (24) may include another slope portion (27) to facilitateambidextrous (or bi-directional) installation of the wall securementdevice (1) into the corner post/corner profile, regardless of whetherthe corner post/corner profile is a right-hand or left-hand cornerpost/corner profile. The contact surface having the protrusion (24) maycomprise a tip portion (28) to facilitate lock-in of the wall securementdevice (1) in the corner post/corner profile when fully installed. Thesurface of the leaf (14) opposite the contact surface may besubstantially flat.

FIG. 2H shows a perspective side view of the embodiment of the wallsecurement device (1) shown in FIG. 2G. The protrusion (24) may beformed as a solid piece, with the front main surface of the leaf (14)being substantially flat and planar, as seen in FIGS. 2G and 2H.

FIG. 2I shows another embodiment of the wall securement device (1)comprising one (or both) of the leaves (14, 14′) having a contactsurface that includes a protrusion (24). Similar to the embodiment inFIGS. 2G and 2H, the embodiment of the device (1) shown in FIG. 2I mayhave a contact surface having the protrusion (24) that comprises theslope portion (25 or 27) and the tip portion (28). Similarly, thisembodiment of the device (1) may also include the second slope portion(27 or 25), so as to allow ambidextrous (or bi-directional) installationin the corner posts/corner profiles, thereby providing usage regardlessof whether the corner posts/profiles are right-handed or left-handed.However, unlike the embodiment of the device (1) shown in FIGS. 2G and2H, the front main surface of the leaf (14) may be contoured similar to(or in a form that that is different from) the contour of the rear mainsurface. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the surface of the leaf(14) opposite the rear main surface may be contoured similar to thefront main surface, thereby reducing material (and weight) used tomanufacture the device (1), while maintaining functionality as describedherein. Additionally, this can provide for a straightforward realizationof the protrusion, whereby part of the leaf material is dented intowards the rear side. The protrusion (24) may be manufactured in asingle step with the rest of the device (1), or the protrusion (24) maybe formed by bending the leaf (14) of the device (1) (e.g., shown inFIG. 2D) to take on the shape and form of the protrusion (24).

In the embodiment of FIG. 2I, one (or both) of the leaves (14, 14′) maycomprise the protrusion (24). The other leaf may comprise intersectingsides A′ and B′. The wall securement device (1) may include a peripheralroughening (12) (shown in FIG. 2F). The peripheral roughening (12) maybe located at the intersection (3).

FIG. 2J shows a side view of the embodiments of the wall securementdevice (1) of FIGS. 2G-2I, comprising one (or both (not shown)) of theleaves (14, 14′) having a protrusion (24). The device (1), as discussedabove, may include an attachment aids (15), which may comprise a metalelement, preferably manufactured from spring steel, positioned orattached at the rear of the device (1) and which aids the clamping ofthe device (1) to the corner profile. Such an attachment aid (15) isshown in FIG. 4A. Alternatively, the device (1) may be provided with afoam element (15) at the rear side of the device.

Referring to FIGS. 2G-23 , the tip portion (28) in the protrusion (24)may include, for example, a profiled cross-section, when inspecting thedevice tip end from its end face. Said profile may be substantiallyU-shaped and protruding towards the rear side (shown), V-shaped (notshown), W-shaped (not shown), circular (not shown), triangular (notshown), trapezoid (not shown), or it may have any other shape that mayprotrude to facilitate lock-in of the device (1) into position wheninstalled in a corner post/corner profile. While the tip portion (28) isshown as having a maximum height closest to the edge, with the heighttapering down on points closer to the intersection (3), the tip portion(28) may have a maximum height located anywhere on the main surface ofthe leaf (14, 14′). The slope portions (25, 27) may be substantiallyflat, or may have a sloped surface leading up to the tip portion (28).

FIG. 2K shows an example of the wall securement device (1) of FIG. 23(or FIG. 2H) installed in a corner post/corner profile (4, 13). Thedimensions of the device (1) may be selected so as to provide a snug andsecure fit of the device (1) in a corner post/corner profile wheninstalled and positioned in the lock-in position (discussed below withreference to FIG. 3F).

The wall securement device may be attached to the corner posts of thecontainer. The devices may be fixedly or removably attached. Attachmentmay occur by mechanical means (welding, gluing, magnetism) or byphysical means (e.g. by friction).

FIG. 3A shows a detail of a preferred embodiment of a wall securementdevice according to the current invention installed in the cornerprofile of a corner post. The device (1) is positioned in the cornerpost, with two sides parallel to the intersection (3) positioned againstthe wall of the corner post. The device (1) is positioned on a certaindistance from the edge of the corner post. The latter is important, asotherwise the device risks to ‘escape’ the corner post whilst securingthe load. Due to the angle formed by the leaves (14, 14′) of the device(1), a space between device and wall, suitable for passage of thestraps, is formed. It is seen that the device has two relatively small,line-shaped supports against the corner profile, respectively near thetwo tip portions of the device leaves (14,14′). Additionally, the devicecomprises a rigid, solid protrusion (24), equally supported against thecorner profile (13). Moreover, it includes a foam attachment aid (15)that prevents the device (1) from sliding down.

FIG. 3B shows a device (1) positioned in a corner post used for securinga load with straps. Such an arrangement is applicable to devicesaccording to the present invention. A strap will be brought through thefirst aperture (2) via a first pathway, and secondly through the secondaperture (2′), in a direction substantially opposite to the direction ofthe first pathway of the strap. F shows a direction of a force that maybe applied to the straps. The force F may be applied in a direction thatis opposite to the direction shown in FIG. 3B. Rather than the strapbeing positioned so that it runs from the interface and to the right ofthe illustration in FIG. 3B, the strap may be positioned so that it runsfrom the interface and to the left of the illustration in FIG. 3B. Thedirection of the applied force F will be equally opposite to thedirection of the first when securing a load, the direction of the firststrap-pathway. Preferably, the protrusion (not shown on the figure) atthe rear main surface of at least one of both leaves contacts the cornerprofile (13).

FIG. 3C shows a view of the device (1) having a leaf 14 (or 14′) with aslope-protrusion (24) positioned in the corner post, used for securing aload with straps. As seen in FIG. 3C, the device (1) may be installed ina plane of application (D) with a direction of force (F) to be appliedto the device (1) by the strap.

FIG. 3D shows a strap (10) installed in the device (1). The device (1)has two leaves (14), one of which is provided with a protrusion (24)towards its rear side. It is seen that the pulling force, exerted on thedevice via the strap, extends in a direction not so different from thedirection into which the latter leaf extends. As a consequence of theprotrusion (24) being provided in said leaf, it can resist to muchhigher pulling forces. Moreover, said protrusion (24) comprises a tipportion, such that it provides a larger contact surface, since lattercontact surface is curved. As a result, upon exerting high pullingforces, there is less risk on the container getting damaged/dented.Additionally, the device is designed such that the intersection (3) islocated in the neighborhood of an imaginary rib of the cuboid containerspace. This is advantageous for the provision of the strap.

FIG. 3F shows stages S1 to S5 for installing the device (1) (forexample, device (1) of FIG. 2H or 2J) into a corner post. Initially, thedevice (1) (e.g., of FIG. 2G or 2I) may be inserted into the corner postat a particular angle, such as, for example 45° as seen in stage S1. Thedevice (1) may then be pivotally adjusted as shown in stages S2, S3, S4,until it is positioned in a lock-in position, as shown in stage S5. Asseen in FIG. 3G, as the device (1) is pivotally adjusted, it reduces thespace while rotating (stages S2 to S4) until it reaches the lock-inposition (stage S5), at which point it may be securely and snugglypositioned within corner post/corner profile (4, 13).

As seen in FIG. 3F, the device (1) of FIG. 2G (or FIG. 2I) may beconfigured to provide space when putting the device (1) (e.g., stage S1)in the corner post/corner profile, and to reduce space as the tipportion (28) moves (stages S2 to S4) into lock-in position (stage S5)when being rotated, thereby locking the device (1) in the optimalposition in the corner post/corner profile. To this end, the protrusioncomprises at least one slope portion. In the embodiments on the figures,the device comprises slope portions at either side of the protrusion; inother words, the protrusion is a bump. As seen in the Figures, the samedevice (1) may thus be used for both right or left-hand sideapplications.

The protrusion (24) comprises two sloped portions, such that the device(1) can be conveniently arranged in both left- and right-handed cornerprofiles.

In order to ensure adequate attaching to the corner post, the deviceaccording to the current invention may be provided with attachment aids(15).

FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of such an attachment aid (15). Attachmentaids (15) may comprise a metal element, preferably manufactured fromspring steel, positioned or attached at the rear of the device (1) andwhich aids the clamping of the device (1) to the corner profile (13).Preferably, the metal element thereby encompasses one of the leaves,with an elastically deformable member pointing in a rearwardly directionwith respect to the device.

It is not necessary for the attachment aid (15) to be a separatelyformed part. By choosing a proper design, especially with regard tomaterial and thickness, the attachment aid (e.g. a spring element) maybe formed as an integral part of the device.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4B, the device may be provided with anelastic/deformable foam element (15), and with a rigid/solid protrusion(24) at the rear side. The protrusion (24) may be in metal, and it maybe integrally formed with the remainder of the device (1).

Preferably, the attachment aid (15) exerts a pressing force against thecorner profile, thereby preventing the wall securement device (1) fromspontaneously slipping/falling down, once it has been arranged at thecorner profile (13). The protrusion (24), on the other hand, provides arigid support to the device (1).

In a similar fashion, as shown in FIG. 4C, either one of the attachmentaids (15, 15′) may be replaced by a rigid, solid protrusion, andpreferably said protrusion is integrally formed with the leaf (14) ofthe device.

In the present invention, the leaves may have one or more protrusions attheir rear main surface, optionally supplemented with attachment aids asdescribed herein, at their front and/or rear main surfaces.

As is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the intersection (3) may be provided withperipheral roughening (12). This roughening (12) may take the form of aserration of a grid.

The elements on the figures are:

-   -   1. Wall securement device    -   2. Aperture    -   3. Intersection    -   4. Corner post    -   10. Strap    -   11. Load    -   12. Peripheral roughening    -   13. Corner profile    -   14. Leaf    -   15. Attachment aids    -   16. Beveled edge    -   24. Protrusion    -   25. Slope portion    -   27. Slope portion    -   28. Tip portion    -   A. Intersecting side    -   B. Intersecting side

The present invention is not restricted to any form of realizationdescribed previously and that some modifications can be added to thepresented example without reappraisal of the appended embodiments.

Although process steps, method steps, or the like, may be described in asequential order, such processes or methods may be configured to work inalternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps thatmay be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that thesteps be performed in that order. The steps of the processes or methodsdescribed herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, somesteps may be performed simultaneously.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readilyapparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of asingle device or article. Similarly, where more than one device orarticle is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a singledevice or article may be used in place of the more than one device orarticle. The functionality or the features of a device may bealternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are notexplicitly described as having such functionality or features.

While the invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosurecan be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of theappended claims. These examples are merely illustrative and are notmeant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments,applications, or modifications of the invention.

1. A securement device attachable to a corner post to secure a lashing,the securement device comprising: a first leaf having a first mainsurface, a second main surface, and a first leaf contact surface; asecond leaf having a first main surface and a second main surface; andan intersection configured to support a lashing, wherein the first leafcontact surface is configured to contact a portion of a corner post andcomprises a beveled shape, and wherein the second main surface of thesecond leaf comprises a protrusion that is configured to contact anotherportion of the corner post and the protrusion is rigid and solid andintegrally formed with the second leaf.
 2. The securement device inclaim 1, wherein the protrusion comprises a slope portion.
 3. Thesecurement device in claim 1, wherein the protrusion comprises a tipportion.
 4. The securement device in claim 1, wherein the protrusioncomprises a bump.
 5. The securement device in claim 1, wherein theprotrusion extends between the intersection and a tip portion of thesecond leaf.
 6. The securement device in claim 1, wherein the device isarranged such that, when it is installed at the corner post, it does notextend beyond an inner zone of said corner post.
 7. The securementdevice in claim 1, wherein said first leaf and said second leaf form aninner angle of between about 45° and about 180°.
 8. The securementdevice in claim 1, wherein said first leaf and said second leaf form aninner angle of between about 90° and about 120°.
 9. The securementdevice in claim 1, wherein the intersection extends in a directiontraversing a direction of strain of the lashing.
 10. The securementdevice in claim 1, further comprising: an aperture configured to receivethe lashing.
 11. The securement device in claim 1, further comprising aperipheral roughening.
 12. The securement device in claim 11, whereinthe peripheral roughening is located on said intersection.
 13. Thesecurement device in claim 1, further comprising an attachment aid thatis configured to assisting in attachment of the securement device to thecorner post.
 14. A method for securing a lashing to a corner post usingthe securement device in claim 10, the method comprising: arranging atleast one of the first leaf contact surface and the protrusion tocontact a corner profile of said corner post; attaching the securementdevice to the corner post; and passing a lashing through said aperture.15. A method for securing a lashing to a corner post, the methodcomprising: installing a securement device in a corner post; rotatingthe securement device in the corner post; and attaching a lashing to thesecurement device, wherein the securement device comprises: a first leafhaving a first main surface, a second main surface, and a first leafcontact surface; a second leaf having a first main surface and a secondmain surface; and an intersection configured to support a lashing,wherein the first leaf contact surface is configured to contact aportion of a corner post and comprises a beveled shape, and wherein thesecond main surface of the second leaf comprises a protrusion that isconfigured to contact another portion of the corner post and theprotrusion is rigid and solid and integrally formed with the secondleaf.
 16. The method in claim 15, wherein the step of installing thesecurement device in the corner post comprises inserting the securementdevice in a corner profile of the corner post.
 17. The method in claim15, wherein the step of rotating the securement device in the cornerpost comprises pivotally adjusting the securement device until it ispositioned in a lock-in position.
 18. The method in claim 15, whereinsaid first leaf and said second leaf form an inner angle of betweenabout 45° and about 180°.
 19. The method in claim 15, wherein theprotrusion comprises at least one of a slope portion, a tip portion, anda bump.
 20. The method in claim 15, wherein the securement device isarranged such that, when it is installed at the corner post, it does notextend beyond an inner zone of said corner post.